Choosing a Babysitter: Nanny Sunday's Top Tips on selecting a Childcare provider or Nanny!

Some families go for a daycare from as early as 6 months! Or decide to get a Nanny instead so the little ones can stay at home longer. For two of the families I cared for, I started with them shortly after they were born. Then the little ones went to day care at around 2 years old. Different families have different preferences, so I found they would want a Nanny for their earliest stages of life. Something to also consider is the costs for Nannys vs Daycare. Surprisingly Nanny's aren't always the most affordable, whereas Daycare can be cheaper!

From my experience with interviews as a Nanny, I found common themes of questions and processes that I encountered. So here are some top tips to help you select the perfect caregiver for your child! As well as some tips on picking a Daycare, if that is what you would choose instead:

1. Start Early: It is important you put time and research in who you may want to care for your lil one once they have arrived! Begin your search well in advance as waiting lists for popular Daycares can be looooong! And if you wanted to go down the Nanny route, you need to allow enough time for research, interviews, and background checks. This way, you won't feel rushed into making a decision!
   
   
2. Ask for Recommendations: When looking for a Nanny, reach out to friends and family members for recommendations. I was lucky enough to get jobs from word of mouth, after working for a range of families. This way the parents knew me from their friends! Personal referrals are often the most reliable way to find quality childcare providers. You can also ask for recommendations from parenting groups or online communities. Same goes for a daycare, recommendations can be beneficial. But at the end of the day, it comes down to what works best for you!
   
   
3. Using an agency when picking a Nanny: Although most agencies require payment, this is a way for you to find the right caregiver for you. They do all the work for you, from vetting, first-aid training and background checks. This can give you peace of mind, as well as more of a selection of babysitters! Not all parents want to go through the agency process, so there are other ways you can find Nanny’s! There are Facebook pages for caregivers in your area or some websites where families can find nannies who make profiles of themselves.
   
   
4. Interviewing Nanny's: Take the time to interview potential babysitters or Nanny's in person or via video call. Ask about their previous experience, childcare philosophy, and how they handle emergencies or disciplinary issues. Trust your instincts during the interview process – if something doesn't feel right, it's okay to keep looking. 🖤
   
   
5. Communicate Expectations Clearly: Clearly communicate your expectations regarding childcare duties, routines, and rules when you interview or put out a request for a Nanny. Be upfront about any special requirements or preferences you have for your child's care. Establishing clear communication from the beginning can help prevent misunderstandings later! It also gives the caregiver more security in what they are expected to do.
   
   
6. Trust Your Gut: Ultimately, trust your instincts when choosing a Nanny or childcare provider. If something feels off or if you have any reservations, it's okay to keep looking until you find someone you feel completely comfortable with.
   
   
7. Trial Period: Consider starting with a trial period before committing to a long-term arrangement. This will give both you and the Nanny an opportunity to assess whether it's a good fit before making a permanent commitment. It's a great way to see how the lil one and nanny get along as well! This can also be done at most Daycares. You can often trial a Daycare by spending a day there with your little one, and then another with them going by themselves. This is a great way to get to know the nursery teachers and to meet the other little ones that already attend (and observe how the teachers crowd control!)
   
   

Finding the right Nanny or childcare provider can take time and effort, but it's well worth it for the peace of mind knowing that your lil one is in good hands. By following these tips and trusting your instincts, you can select a caregiver who will provide safe, loving, and reliable care for your little one! 🖤

Sunday x